Appeal 3282282

The appeal is dismissed.

The site visit was undertaken by an Appeal Planning Officer whose recommendation is set out below and to which the Inspector has had regard before deciding the appeal.

On 20 July 2021 the Government published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework). I have had regard to this as a material consideration however, planning decisions must still be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The main parties were provided an opportunity to comment on the updated Framework and no comments were received.

The main issue is the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area.

The appeal site is a two-storey dwelling with a predominantly brick finish and flat roof. Although there are buildings of mixed height within its locality, the appeal site is joined with 3 other dwellings to form a block of 4 houses, which sits within a cluster of a significant number architecturally similar houses. The application seeks permission for a single storey extension on top of the existing footprint.

The proposed upward extension would add significant bulk to the host dwelling and interrupt the otherwise consistent and established roofline of this cluster of houses. The introduction of an additional storey would appear incongruous when it is considered within the immediate context of the site and the relatively uniform cluster of dwellings within which it sits. Despite there being taller buildings nearby that contribute to the surrounding context of the appeal site, these clearly possess a different character and appearance to the cluster.

There are some policies which do encourage upward extensions; however, this is only in situations where such development is appropriate. The proposed development would be highly visible from the public realm, specifically from [address]. The proposed height and bulk of the development would appear discordant and would not be consistent with the prevailing height and form of neighbouring properties and the overall street scene and therefore this would not be an appropriate circumstance for an upward extension.

For the reasons given above the development would be harmful to the character and appearance of the host building and surrounding area. It would therefore not comply with Policy S.DH1 of the Tower Hamlets Borough Council Local Plan 2031, adopted 2020. This Policy requires development to meet the highest standards of design and be of an appropriate scale, height, bulk and form in its context.

The appellant has expanding accommodation needs with associated issues relating to affordability and a desire to not move from a familiar area. Accommodating this would be a private benefit for a single household, limited weight should therefore be given to this. The proposed development would result in fundamental harm to the character and appearance of the area, and this would not be outweighed by the personal circumstances of the appellant. In addition, this appeal has been assessed on its individual merits and the possibility of future planning applications being received relating to dwellings within the cluster cannot be guaranteed and so it holds very limited weight in its determination.

The proposal would not accord with the development plan when taken as a whole. For the reasons given above, and having had regard to all other matters raised, I recommend that the appeal should be dismissed.

I have considered all the submitted evidence and the Appeal Planning Officer’s report and on that basis the appeal is dismissed.